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Friday, June 27, 2014

The Fundamentals One Should Understand About An Axial Fan

By Ina Hunt


With the ever increasing technology, companies have had to find ways of moving air and fluids around. One of those ways is by using fans. A specific kind of fan called the axial fan is a type of compressor designed to increase pressure of air passing through it. The air is forced by the blades to move in a parallel direction to the shaft from which the blades originate.

The ability of these devices to blow air along the axis is the origin of their name. They work in the same way as centrifugal fans with the difference lying in the mechanism. The propeller draws air from outside and discharges it along the same axial direction. The propeller is responsible for all air movements that occur in this device. The propeller attains this through creation of pressure difference.

The total number of blades and the design in each blade are the major parameters to consider when making a purchase. Blades can be manufactured from different materials like wood, alloys, and aluminium. The number of blades is normally small ranging from 2 to 6 compared to the high number in ducted fans. Blade number is normally low to stop them from limiting the high flow rate at which the blades operate.

Blades come in different lengths and shapes. Some incorporate different blade sections along their radius. Rotor geometry and velocity triangles are not required here because the number of blades is low. These products are meant for use in regions that experience high temperatures, normally within the range of 70 degrees. They are also capable of working in humid environments if they are installed with the right type of bearings. Cheaper makes have sleeve bearings which do not last long.

These gadgets find use in many industries including chemical, woodworking, ceramic, steel, cement, and mining. Common industrial applications are building ventilation, dust removal and collection, combustion air, fume removal, and heat recovery. Propellers also find application in cooling towers, ships, helicopters, wind tunnels, hydrofoils, and hovercrafts. When they are applied for propulsion, the efficiency is the major parameter considered. Flow rate, efficiency, power consumption, and pressure rise are however all of importance if the device is used as a fan.

These products are also in common use in computer systems as key cooling components. Those that are used in computer systems are installed with ball or fluid bearings to achieve consistent operation and maximum durability. Models used in computing devices are very costly but also very efficient at power consumption and operation. Normally the shaft is placed in line with the component to be cooled to blow air on it or draw air past it.

Important characteristic considered during manufacture of these commodities is the relationship between the volume flow rate and pressure variation. Efficiency increases as the flow rate increases from zero up to a certain point and then starts decreasing. The pressure and power outputs also vary with increased performance.

These devices come in difference sizes and shapes. They are also customized according to the function for which they are meant. The costs differ with power dissipation, size, quality, and material used for construction among other factors.




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